Photo Essay:Breaking Free
Text and Photo by Jolie Wong and Pauline Lee
Walking around Mong Kok, Tsim Sha Tsui and Causeway Bay at night, it is common to see teenagers playing music, or dressing up as clowns, with a handful of people enjoying their show. Every song and performance ends with a burst of applause, while some even earn money. But money is never the sole reason. These youngsters brave the uncertainty of whether they will be liked or not. It is their persistence and passion for the art, or even sending a positive message, like “follow your heart”, or “embrace the world”. Life in Hong Kong is not easy. Teenagers face many pressures from school, parents and teachers during the day, but being street performers at night allows them to get rid of the rat race of life.
▲Play hard, laugh loud. A young band members are having fun while performing at the Tsim Sha Tsui Pier.
▲Playing street music is about interacting with the audience, who also captures the moment at Tsim Sha Tsim Pier.
▲Street performance does not restrict to simple singing show, but also traditional dramatic art like Bian Lian. (Mong Kok Sai Yeung Choi Street)
▲Supporting street music also means young people can pursue their passions. (Tsim Sha Tsui Pier)
▲A microphone, courage, passion, and your voice are all you need.
(Mong Kok Sai Yeung Choi Street)
